East Meets West with Olga and Tara

Olga and Tara welcome investigative journalist Ben Swann — creator of the acclaimed Zelensky Unmasked series — for a wide-ranging conversation on the war in Ukraine that is draining a generation, Trump’s risk of becoming another Jimmy Carter, schisms within US intelligence agencies, Russia's recent elections, and much more. Is Ukraine’s male population being sent to the front against their will, and why has fighting shifted almost entirely to drones? Why does Ben Swann argue that the war is being run less from the Pentagon and more from the CIA — and what does that mean for who actually controls US policy? Why does Ben Swann call the latest Russia sanctions bill “toothless”, and what does he think it reveals about Washington’s real priorities? Is Trump boxed in by agencies and allies he underestimated? What drove Trump’s decision to strike Iran despite warnings from his own Joint Chiefs chairman and Tulsi Gabbard — and why didn’t it go as planned? What do competing factions within the CIA and other intelligence agencies mean for Trump’s ability to change course? ▶️ This episode on YouTube | Rumble | BitChute | X 🔔 East Meets West explores geopolitics beyond the headlines. It's time to follow us if not yet!

Olga and Tara welcome Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE. Is Europe sleepwalking into a direct conflict with Russia? Why does Ambassador Polyanskiy say Europe has inched closer to one, and that a single incident could be enough to trigger it? Is Washington a mediator or a source of pressure? Why does Ambassador Polyanskiy call Trump “mercurial” while describing US interests as “pragmatic”? How does he read the mixed signals — peace talks, a sanctions bill headed for Trump’s signature and a planned US base in Poland — and why does he say Russia is not counting on America’s help? Is there a way back? Why does he say Russia’s door to diplomacy remains open, and that the first step is a clear declaration that neither side plans to attack the other? Can Europe move away from a zero-sum approach toward peaceful coexistence? And is the UN slowly dying — or, as Ambassador Polyanskiy argues, are Western countries holding Security Council reform “hostage”? ▶️ This episode on YouTube | Rumble | BitChute | X 🔔 East Meets West explores geopolitics beyond the headlines. It's time to follow us if not yet!

Olga and Tara welcome Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE. Is Europe sleepwalking into a direct conflict with Russia? Why does Ambassador Polyanskiy say Europe has inched closer to one, and that a single incident could be enough to trigger it? Is Washington a mediator or a source of pressure? Why does Ambassador Polyanskiy call Trump “mercurial” while describing US interests as “pragmatic”? How does he read the mixed signals — peace talks, a sanctions bill headed for Trump’s signature and a planned US base in Poland — and why does he say Russia is not counting on America’s help? Is there a way back? Why does he say Russia’s door to diplomacy remains open, and that the first step is a clear declaration that neither side plans to attack the other? Can Europe move away from a zero-sum approach toward peaceful coexistence? And is the UN slowly dying — or, as Ambassador Polyanskiy argues, are Western countries holding Security Council reform “hostage”? ▶️ This episode on YouTube | Rumble | BitChute | X 🔔 East Meets West explores geopolitics beyond the headlines. It's time to follow us if not yet!

В гостях у Ольги Батаман и Тары Рид — политический комментатор и ведущий Джимми Дор. Начинаем второй сезон с обсуждения войны на Украине, конфликта с Ираном, состоянии американской военной машины и почему Трамп на первом и втором сроках президенства — разные люди. Почему, по мнению Дора, война на Украине пошла совсем не по тому сценарию, который рассчитывали в Вашингтоне? Почему Россия, несмотря на западное давление, стала теснее сотрудничать с Китаем и другими центрами силы — и действительно ли у Москвы сейчас больше рычагов для переговоров? Насколько американская военная машина способна вести несколько крупных конфликтов одновременно? Что показала война с Ираном о запасах вооружений и реальных возможностях США — и почему Дор называет американскую армию «бумажным тигром»? И почему Дор считает, что выборы в США мало меняют внешнюю политику Вашингтона? Что стоит за концепцией «вечных войн»? 🔔 East Meets West — разговор о мировой политике без попытки свести сложные события к одной картине мира. Смотрите этот выпуск на RuTube

Olga and Tara are joined by political commentator Jimmy Dore — to talk about Trump’s new hair and new term, Ukraine negotiations, Iran, the current state of the US military, the Charlie Kirk assassination, the Epstein files, and much more. Is the US stretched too thin to win two wars at once? Dore argues the Iran conflict drained missile stockpiles meant for Ukraine — so what does that say about America’s real military capacity, and who might be watching closely? Does it actually matter who wins the US midterms? Dore says no, arguing both parties answer to the same donors regardless of outcome. Is voting still a real lever for change? What really shifted Trump between his first and second terms? Dore lays out a theory involving lawsuits, imprisoned allies, and the Epstein files — and on the ground, how much of the anger Tara found in the US is about foreign policy versus the cost of living? ▶️ This episode on YouTube | Rumble | BitChute | X 🔔 East Meets West explores geopolitics beyond the headlines. It's time to follow us if not yet!

Setting up for Season 2! 🎙️ Any guesses who our first guest will be?

Where is Olga Bataman? Surely, at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok! It’s all about the discussions and meetings — but also the incredible location, the campus, and a Russian city to fall in love with 🌊 Take a quick tour of the forum with Olga:

Tara Reade examines US–Israel defense cooperation in her latest opinion piece, following the discussion with Tucker Carlson. While Tucker Carlson described the proposed NDAA FY2027 provisions as “treason,” Reade argues that they represent an unprecedented level of defense sector integration ever in the US history:

'Never before in US history has a foreign nation been granted this degree of institutional integration into America’s military research and defense industrial base'

Tara also explores the broader implications for US foreign policy, military spending, and Donald Trump’s role in global conflicts. Read the entire opinion piece HERE

Tara Reade examines US–Israel defense cooperation in her latest opinion piece, following her discussion with Tucker Carlson. While Tucker Carlson described the proposed NDAA FY2027 provisions as “treason,” Reade argues that they represent an unprecedented level of institutional integration between the US and Israeli defense sectors:

'Never before in US history has a foreign nation been granted this degree of institutional integration into America’s military research and defense industrial base'

Tara also explores the broader implications for US foreign policy, military spending, and America’s role in global conflicts. READ the entire opinion piece HERE

☀️ East Meets West is taking a short summer break We'll be back in September with brand-new episodes! Over the coming weeks, we will be revisiting some of our favorite conversations from the first season You can also keep up with us by following Olga on X or Telegram and Tara on X or Telegram Have a wonderful August, and thank you for being part of our community! — Olga & Tara ☀️ Подкаст East Meets West уходит на небольшой летний перерыв Мы вернемся в сентябре с новыми выпусками! А в ближайшие недели будем вспоминать самые интересные разговоры из первого сезона. Вы также можете следить за нами в личных аккаунтах: Ольги в X или Telegram и Тары в X или Telegram Желаем вам прекрасного августа — и спасибо, что вы с нами! — Ольга и Тара

В гостях у Ольги Батаман и Тары Рид — Константин Косачев, российский сенатор, заместитель Председателя Совета Федерации. Какие пять стратегических ошибок допустила Европа и как они привели к нынешнему кризису вокруг Украины? Были ли Минские соглашения, переговоры в Стамбуле и российские предложения по безопасности в 2021 году реальными шансами избежать большой войны — и почему они оказались упущены? Мы также обсудим санкции против России, перспективы мирного урегулирования, роль США и НАТО в украинском конфликте, будущее европейской безопасности и то, какой мировой порядок, по мнению Москвы, приходит на смену прежней системе международных отношений. 🔔 East Meets West — это разговоры о мировой политике без инфошума: с дипломатами, политиками, журналистами и теми, кто принимает решения или участвует в их обсуждении.

Three people were killed and 21 injured after an explosion at a Moscow restaurant on Saturday. The blast was caused by a homemade explosive device, authorities stated A woman carrying the device attempted to enter the Balzi Rossi restaurant. She was killed in the explosion, along with the security guard and a restaurant patron Tara Reade on the attack: 'It's reminiscent of earlier attacks, terrorist attacks by Ukraine — with Daria Dugina, when she was killed' 'There was also the attack in St. Petersburg where someone was giving a present. Again, it was a courier, and there was an explosion. And it was at a café as well' 'My feeling is this is, again, part of a pattern of trying to instill fear'

Olga and Tara welcome Senator Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federation Council — for Russia’s perspectives on the war in Ukraine, Western policies and the world’s future security. Did Europe misunderstand the events of 2014 from the very beginning? Why does Sen. Kosachev argue that the Minsk Agreements, the Istanbul peace talks, and Russia's 2021 security proposals represented missed opportunities to avoid a wider conflict? And why does he believe European leaders are now politically unable to change course? Can the US influence Ukraine's decisions? Have sanctions strengthened rather than weakened Russia? And is today's "rules-based order" replacing international law — or is that itself a flawed interpretation of world politics? What would Russia consider a lasting peace? Why does Moscow reject claims that it seeks territorial expansion beyond Ukraine? And how does Sen. Kosachev explain Russia's security concerns, its relationship with NATO, and its vision of a future European security architecture? 🔔 East Meets West is where we bring together voices from different perspectives to explore the world's biggest geopolitical questions.

ЭКСКЛЮЗИВ: В гостях у Ольги Батаман и Тары Рид — один из самых известных американских журналистов ТАКЕР КАРЛСОН. Перешел ли Вашингтон грань гибридного противостояния с Россией — и теперь это уже война? Почему Карлсон считает слияние спецслужб США и Израиля государственной изменой и кто на самом деле формирует внешнюю политику Белого дома? Мы также обсудим отношения Дональда Трампа и Биньямина Нетаньяху, войну с Ираном, санкции против России, энергетический кризис в Европе и будущее НАТО. Способны ли европейские страны выставить реальную армию и почему глобальный центр силы неизбежно смещается на Восток? Поговорим о свободе слова, «русофобии» на Западе и личным впечатлениям Карлсона от поездок в Россию. Понравился ли ему черный хлеб? 🔔 East Meets West — это прямой разговор без цензуры о геополитике и обратной стороне мировых событий.

EMW EXCLUSIVE: Renowned journalist TUCKER CARLSON joins Olga and Tara — for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of American foreign policy, the war in Ukraine, US-Russia relations, Israel, Iran and much more. Is the US already in direct conflict with Russia? Why does Tucker argue that Washington has lost its sovereignty, and who does he believe is shaping America's foreign policy decisions? We also discuss the growing tensions between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, the prospect of a third political party in the United States, and whether the current political system still represents ordinary Americans. Can Europe avoid a direct confrontation with Russia and where is the boundary between proxy support and direct warfare? Are we witnessing a historical pivot of power from West to East, and can global stability survive the shift? We also examine sanctions, energy security, NATO, and the future of diplomacy. Watch this episode on YouTube | Rumble | BitChute 🔔 East Meets West is where we bring together voices from different perspectives to explore the world's biggest geopolitical questions.

В гостях у Ольги Батаман и Тары Рид — британский политолог, профессор Университета Кента и эксперт клуба «Валдай» Ричард Саква. Станет ли уход одного из главных идеологов американского вмешательства Линдси Грэма шансом для реальной дипломатии между Вашингтоном и Москвой — или глубинное государство и военно-промышленный комплекс США продолжат эскалацию? Почему обещания Запада передать Киеву технологии Patriot — это лишь торговля «свежим воздухом»? Мы также обсудим стремительную смену власти в Великобритании, а также почему современная русофобия Запада — это попытка переложить ответственность за собственные провалы. 🔔 East Meets West — это честный взгляд на геополитику от тех, кто знает закулисье мировой дипломатии.

Olga and Tara are joined by renowned political scientist and University of Kent Professor Richard Sakwa — to dissect the legacy left by US Senator Lindsey Graham, who suddenly died right after visiting Ukraine. Will the departure of one of the chief “Trump whisperers” open a long-awaited diplomatic channel between Washington and Moscow — or will the military-industrial complex continue its relentless march unchecked? Can a highly individualized foreign policy under Donald Trump bypass the systemic “war machine” that Graham so gleefully championed for decades? Why are NATO leaders offering Ukraine high-tech Patriot transfers when the engineering capacity and intellectual property safeguards simply do not exist? As Western Europe battles severe “war fever” despite crumbling domestic economies, how do elites justify historic military spending? We also look into the UK facing a rapid leadership transition under Andy Burnham — and break down what modern Russophobia actually implies. 🔔 East Meets West explores geopolitics beyond the headlines, offering uncensored analysis and a deeper look at the forces shaping global events.

В гостях у Ольги Батаман и Тары Рид — американский правозащитник, адвокат и антивоенный активист Дэниел Ковалик. Почему коллективный Запад открыто сбросил маску «оплота свободы слова»? Дэниел расскажет, как его задержали в аэропорту Ливерпуля, где британские спецслужбы изъяли его технику и взяли ДНК. Мы также обсудим, почему Даниэль считает конфликт на Украине новой версией операции «Барбаросса» против России и почему только невероятное терпение Москвы удерживает мир от ядерного апокалипсиса. Мы также обсудим итоги саммита НАТО, рост военных расходов альянса и разговор Владимира Путина и Дональда Трампа. 🔔 East Meets West — это честный взгляд на геополитику от тех, кто не боится называть вещи своими именами.

В гостях у Ольги Батаман и Тары Рид — вице-председатель и президент Шанхайского центра международных стратегических исследований «РимПак», эксперт клуба «Валдай» Нельсон Вонг. Является ли эскалация вокруг Ирана и Персидского залива скрытой попыткой США затормозить стремительное развитие Китая? Почему Бжезинский ошибся в своих расчетах, утверждая, что Пекин всегда будет смотреть на Россию свысока? Каким образом стратегический «кошмар» Вашингтона — союзничество России, Китая и Ирана — стал свершившимся фактом? Мы также обсудим, почему Нельсон Вонг уверен, что Китай смог полностью обезопасить свои энергетические и торговые маршруты. Действительно ли Китай более десяти лет готовился к нынешней тарифной конфронтации с США? Как Пекин видит контуры нового многополярного мира? И почему американская концепция исключительности окончательно теряет позиции на международной арене? 🔔 East Meets West — это геополитика без цензуры и трезвый взгляд на события, смыслы и тренды.

Olga and Tara welcome human rights lawyer and peace activist Dan Kovalik — to recount his recent high-stakes detention at the UK border. Why are Western authorities weaponizing broad anti-terrorism laws against prominent anti-war voices and legal advocates? What does it mean for civil liberties when governments can confiscate electronic devices and collect DNA? We look at the broader geopolitical fallout surrounding the US 250th anniversary, the recent Trump-Putin phone call and NATO expanding military spending. Daniel also explains why he believes the conflict in Ukraine is already a direct confrontation between Russia and the West — describing it as "Operation Barbarossa 2.0." Is this historical comparison a warning about where current policies are leading? 🔔 East Meets West is where we explore the most current world events — with top guests from both East and West